It can be distressing to witness the pain of family, friends or even strangers going through a hard time. But what if, just like strengthening a muscle or learning a new hobby, we could train ourselves to be more compassionate and calm in the face of others’ suffering?

That is the question behind research from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a new study suggests that as little as two weeks of compassion meditation training – intentionally cultivating positive wishes to understand and relieve the suffering of others – may reduce the distress a person feels when witnessing another’s suffering. It may also improve their ability and likelihood to respond with compassion.

Compassion is a concern for the misfortunes of others, sensitivity, tenderness, kindness, humanity, love, and charity. Compassion is the sympathetic consciousness for the distress of others together with a desire to alleviate it. ​

​Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Life has taught me that faith, hope, and love are the main components of compassion. The most compassionate act that I experienced happened soon after I was born. And it positively impacts my life today.

While living in a convent for unwed mothers, my birth mother was faced with the decision to give me up for adoption. So, fortunately, I went from my teenaged mother’s arms into the care of my great uncle and aunt, Ozell and Lillian Stinson who became my parents.

Their love was incontestable. Our home was a nurturing environment filled with undying support. I was cared for and protected by two loving parents who taught me so many life lessons that have brought me to where I am today. I never felt neglected or deprived. They were firm but not harsh. I learned so many life lessons like discipline, the need for educational development, respect for myself, family, other people, my community, and God’s universe. I was also taught the importance of a strong work ethic, self-sufficiency, trustworthiness, honesty, and about being a woman of good character. These qualities and more influenced me to become the woman I feel God planned for me to be. And he’s not done with me yet!

I think God wants me to share some of the compassion with others that was given to me. My great-uncle and aunt transitioned years ago, but the compassion and love they poured into my life live in me today. It has enabled a loving relationship with my 86 years old birth mother, and 11 loving brothers and sisters whom I wouldn’t trade for the world. God gave us each other and hope for our future generations. Compassion conquers adversity!

Angela Stinson retired from Milwaukee Public Schools where she taught 40 years, and also worked 20 years in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Lord, the psalmist asked, how long O Lord,How long will Thou hide Thyself from me?Today, God, there are terrible disastersWhich take the lives of many people.It is hard to recognize Your hand in such a tragedy,But I pray that through such tribulations, many people can come to a deepened relationship with You,even a new relationship with You,as we recognize the frailty of our physical existenceand the lack of control we have over it.Perhaps You use these opportunities to knock at the heartsof those affected by these calamities, and I pray they let You in.No matter what tribulations arise in this life,if we have You dwelling in our hearts,we are sure to overcome. In Christ’s Name.Amen —Reverend Chestina Mitchell Archibald“In The Wake of Tragedy”

Find Hope in the Storm When You Feel You’re in the Storm

Mark 4:39-40 | Isaiah 41:10 | John 16:33

No matter what swirls around us, God promises to be our perfect peace. He assures us he is constantly with us, strengthening and supporting us. Pray that God will help you to keep your eyes and focus on him, not on the circumstances surrounding you. Ask him to help you grow in your trust, believing he is faithful to see us through. Write: In your journal, think of the top five or so things in your life right now that are causing you worry, fear, or anxiety. Give those things over to God now in prayer. Ask him to relieve your fears and help you remember his truth. Invite the Holy Spirit to begin to calm your soul by replacing the fear with the words of truth you just read. Write down the promises from the passages in Mark, Isaiah, and John. When fear begins to creep in, re-read these promises and thank God for his steadfast love.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s new memoir entitled Becoming will be available in book stores on November 13. It will be published in 24 languages and released in the U.S. and Canada in print and digital formats, as well as an audio edition, which she reads. Obama invites readers into her world, by chronicling the experiences that have shaped her - from her childhood on Chicago’s South Side to her years as First Lady of the United States.

“A Conversation with Michelle Obama” includes stops in Chicago, November 13, United Center | LA Forum, November 15 | and Detroit, December 11, Little Ceasars Arena. Billed as“An intimate conversation with Michelle Obama,” this isa once in a lifetime opportunity to see and hear the first African American First Lady of the United States. ​

Unfortunately, too many older adults are hungry, alone, and desperate to maintain the independence of staying in their homes. For these people, Meals on Wheels (MOW) is a godsend toward satisfying that goal.

Many housebound seniors are challenged by chronic illnesses and limited mobility. Consequently, preparing meals is a daunting chore. Drivers for MOW deliver 1,400 nutritious meals to these homes throughout the county daily. Individuals with disabilities that make normal activities harder, regardless of age, are also eligible for this service.

Bekki Schmitt, Information and Outreach Coordinator for the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, administrator for MOW says, “We know that this need will continue to increase with the growing senior population. Aging Outreach conducted to determine the number of potential candidates in Wisconsin needing support services revealed that — 320,958 seniors are isolated and live alone; 142,379 are threatened by hunger, and 313,406 seniors live near poverty.​Older adults who are physically able can enjoy lunch at the following senior centers —Clinton Rose, Kelly, McGovern Park, Washington Park, and Wilson Park in Milwaukee County. The suggested donations a hot meals is $3.00.

Awais H. Siddique, MD believes that many women suffering from chronic uterus pain are often misdiagnosed and subjected to needless hysterectomies. When, in fact, heir distress is caused by pelvic congestion syndrome resulting from problems with the veins in the pelvic area.​​The Franklin Institute, a science museum in Philadelphia, reports that the average adult body contains approximately 100,000 miles of blood vessels.